MasterCard is to conduct its first pilot of PayPass contactless card technology in Italy, in partnership with Poste Italiano.
Poste Italiano says the six to eight month pilot will target new cardholders, who will be offered a prepaid contactless card, dubbed the PostePay Evolution MasterCard card. The card will be available for purchase and use at selected retailers and cinemas in Milan and Rome.
Marco Siracusano, marketing director of Banco Posta says: "Our common challenge is to widen the use of contactless technology and to make consumers more aware of the concrete benefits of Tap & Go. MasterCard is an important partner in our joint 'war on cash'. Facilitating the use of electronic cards will contribute to the further growth and development of the Italian economy."
The Italian programme follows the launch of several PayPass pilots across Europe, beginning in June 2006 with Garanti Bank and major retailers in Turkey. Most recently, MasterCard announced the forthcoming launch of a major PayPass pilot in Spain with Caja Madrid and more than 200 retailers.